Best Air Fryers for Crispy Food in Your Kitchen at College and Home in 2025

Why Air Fryers Are a Must-Have Kitchen Appliance in 2025

In 2025, air fryers continue to dominate modern kitchens as a versatile, energy-efficient way to make crispy, delicious foods with less oil. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, the latest air fryer models offer improved technology, smarter controls, and better results for everything from frozen snacks to homemade dinners. This guide covers what to look for when choosing the best air fryer 2025, why they’re so popular, and how to use one to simplify meal prep.

Buyer's Favorite: Family Air Fryer with Window

High-capacity 6.5QT RapidAir Plus countertop convection cooker delivers fast, low-oil crisping, programmable touchscreen controls, integrated recipe app compatibility, and an easy-clean fat-separation system for healthier home meals.

Philips Air Fryer 3000 Series 6.5qt, Cooking Window, 16-in-1 Air Fryer, RapidAir Plus Technology, Fat Removal, HomeID Recipe App, Easy to Clean (NA330/00)

The Philips Air Fryer 3000 Series 6.5qt (NA330/00) combines RapidAir Plus technology and a handy cooking window to deliver crispy, evenly cooked meals using far less oil than traditional frying. The patented star-shaped airflow speeds heat circulation for uniform results while a fat-separation design lets excess grease drip away—helping you enjoy up to 90% less fat in some recipes and reducing up to 40% of excess fat as it cooks. With a roomy 6.5QT cooking capacity (fits up to 8 chicken drumsticks, 5 salmon fillets, 7 muffins or 35.27 oz of vegetables), 16 cooking modes including dehydrating and fermentation, a 104°F–24-hour range, and a responsive touchscreen offering 12 customizable presets plus a favorite button, this countertop unit simplifies everything from reheating and baking to grilling and defrosting. The viewing window lets you monitor progress without interrupting cooking, and HomeID recipe app support gives step-by-step guidance and inspiration. Easy-to-clean removable parts and nonstick surfaces make maintenance fast, so you can spend more time enjoying meals and less time scrubbing.

Price: 142.10
Manufacturer: Philips
Seller: Amazon
Greatest Appliance's Score: 4.9 ⭐
How we rate products

Key Features:

RapidAir Plus patented star-shaped airflow for faster, even cooking
See-through cooking window to monitor food without opening
6.5QT capacity fits family-sized portions and larger batches
16-in-1 cooking options including bake, grill, dehydrate, ferment, defrost and reheat
Fat-separation system that reduces excess grease during cooking
Touchscreen control panel with 12 customizable presets and a favourite button
Temperature range from 104°F and timers up to 24 hours for versatile recipes
HomeID Recipe App integration for guided recipes and inspiration
Removable nonstick parts designed for easy cleaning

Pros

Significantly reduces oil usage while preserving crisp texture and flavor
Generous capacity handles weeknight family meals and batch cooking
Wide cooking range from low-temp fermentation to high-heat crisping
Clear viewing window lets you check progress without interrupting cook cycles
Smart presets and app support speed up meal prep and deliver consistent results
Removable parts and nonstick surfaces cut cleanup time

Cons

Countertop footprint may be large for small kitchens or limited space
6.5QT may still be too small for very large gatherings or whole roasts
Touchscreen-only interface may feel less intuitive to users who prefer dials
Viewing window and exterior can become hot during use and require careful handling
Basket shape can limit the size of bulky items placed inside

What Customers Say:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect AirFryer💯💯💯💯 — pmt7676⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ recently purchased the Philips Airfryer 3000 Series 6.5qt, and it has completely transformed the way I cook. With its 16-in-1 functionality, I can air fry, bake, roast, grill, and more—all in one sleek appliance. The generous 6.5-quart capacity is perfect for preparing meals for my entire family, saving me time and effort. — Fenoo😍😍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ So simple to use, right out of the box. We have been using it every night since we purchased. Love the light and clear window to view the food that is cooking. Generous size fryer basket. I bought the parchment paper liners with it and highly recommend as there is no clean up afterwards. This air fryer was rated very highly and is well made. I am very happy with this purchase. — Susan K. Tipton

Where to Buy:

Most Reviewed: High-Speed Crisping Air Fryer

TurboBlaze rapid-convection countertop cooker with 3600 rpm fan, 6‑quart square ceramic nonstick basket, precise 90–450°F temperature control, 9‑in‑1 cooking presets, dishwasher‑safe accessories, and whisper‑quiet operation for fast, oil‑reduced crispy results.

COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Premium Ceramic Coating, 90–450°F Precise Heat for Even Results, Up to 95% Less Oil*, Roast, Bake, Dry, Reheat, Frozen, Broil, Proof, 120V, TurboBlaze

The COSORI 9‑in‑1 TurboBlaze air fryer combines restaurant‑grade speed and precision for healthier, crunchier meals at home. Its powerful TurboBlaze system spins at up to 3600 rpm and works with a 5‑speed fan architecture and exact 90–450°F temperature control to deliver evenly browned mains and perfectly textured sides in less time. The roomy 6‑quart square basket with premium ceramic nonstick coating fits family portions while saving counter and storage space, and detachable pieces are dishwasher‑safe for fast cleanup. With presets for Roast, Bake, Dry, Reheat, Frozen, Broil, Proof and more, plus a customizable preheat option and a chef‑created 30‑recipe cookbook, this compact countertop cooker makes it simple to enjoy up to 95% less oil without sacrificing taste or crunch.

Price: 99.99
Manufacturer: COSORI
Seller: Amazon
Greatest Appliance's Score: 4.8 ⭐
How we rate products

Key Features:

TurboBlaze technology with up to 3600 rpm for rapid-convection cooking
Precise temperature range: 90–450°F for versatile recipes
9‑in‑1 functionality: Roast, Bake, Dry, Reheat, Frozen, Broil, Proof, plus customizable modes
6‑quart square basket for wider, family-size capacity while saving counter space
Premium ceramic nonstick coating on basket and crisper tray for easy release
Cosori 5‑fan speed system for uniform airflow and even results
Operates under 53 dB for quieter kitchen performance
Dishwasher‑safe basket and detachable accessories for easy cleaning
Customizable Preheat function and quick-cook time upgrades to speed weeknight meals
Includes user manual and 30‑recipe cookbook with pictures and cooking charts
Designed for 120V outlets (U.S. standard)

Pros

Gets food crispy with minimal oil—up to 95% less—while retaining juiciness
Speeds cooking and shortens weeknight meal prep with high‑power convection
Even, consistent browning thanks to multi‑speed airflow and precise heat control
Family‑friendly 6‑qt square basket fits larger or multiple portions in one batch
Low noise operation keeps the kitchen comfortable during use
Easy cleanup with ceramic nonstick surfaces and dishwasher‑safe parts
Versatile presets plus a recipe book make cooking beginner-friendly

Cons

120V design limits use to regions with U.S. standard voltage without an adapter
6‑quart capacity still requires batching for very large families or big roasts
Ceramic coating, while durable, can degrade if metal utensils are used or scrubbed aggressively
Learning curve for achieving perfect results on some frozen or delicate foods
Not a substitute for traditional deep‑frying if you need wet immersion frying

What Customers Say:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What can I say that others haven't about this air fryer? We use it almost exclusively, and don't use the oven a whole lot anymore. Cooks fast, doesn't heat up the kitchen a lot, especially since it's summer now, very very simple to clean the basket and crisper plate, and fits nicely on our counter not taking up a lot of room. It's also priced right. We cooked all kinds of meats, and vegetables to perfection. I really can't offer any other accolades from what others said...it is one fantastic air fryer. I do have only one problem...I should have bought 2 of them right away!!! You won't regret getting this one. :) — mikec43⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I have heard so much about air fryers. I admit I'm late to this party becuase I absolutely love this air fryer. I've had it for about 2 months now and I have not used my oven since. I'm in a reasonably hot area and this air fryer is perfect for preparing meals during the warmer parts of the season which can get up to 123 during the summer. It cooks very well and the meats are full of juice and the crispy foods are crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The 6 qt size is perfect for me and it's very easy to use. I liked a recipe book with a cooking guide was included. It helps a novice like me to get acclimated to this new world of ary frying. This is a great air fryer and a very good value for the money. — Tony⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This air fryer, our second household air fryer, is a serious step up from the first in terms of functionality and features. The different cook modes - bake air fry, etc. - really distinguish this air fryer as a higher tier unit. The cook tray is is large, but not so large that the whole unit is ungainly or difficult to move and store. Also, this unit is relatively quiet while cooking as well, no raised voices required. This size appears to be the best balance between weight, price, functionality and size. So far it's been a big upgrade. — Caleb

Where to Buy:

Best Budget: Compact Dorm Air Fryer

Mini countertop convection cooker with a 2.1‑quart capacity, space‑saving footprint and 120V/900W energy‑efficient performance that delivers quick crispy results for students, RVs and small kitchens.

COSORI Air Fryer 2.1 QT, Small & Mini 4-in-1 airfryer Ideal for Simple Meals and Snack, Easy to Leftover Food to Crispy, Up to 97% Less Oil, 30 In-App Recipes, Nonstick & Dishwasher-Safe Basket

COSORI Air Fryer 2.1 QT — a small, versatile 4-in-1 kitchen appliance built for simple meals and snacks. This mini air fryer offers Air Fry, Reheat, Roast and Bake modes so you can crisp fries, revive leftovers, cook protein and bake snacks using up to 97% less oil (tested against traditional deep frying). The ultra-light 4.87‑lb design and compact 10.1 x 8.3 x 10.5 inch footprint fit dorm rooms, trucks and RV galley spaces, while the 120V/900W motor reaches cooking temperature quickly. Cleanup is easy with a nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket and included accessories; plus get 30 chef-developed recipes on the free VeSync app and a 6-recipe sticker to start cooking right away. Ideal for single-serve portions, busy students, seniors or small households who want crispy results without a full-size oven.

Price: 59.99
Manufacturer: COSORI
Seller: Amazon
Greatest Appliance's Score: 4.6 ⭐
How we rate products

Key Features:

2.1‑quart capacity for single-serve and snack-sized portions
4‑in‑1 cooking: Air Fry, Reheat, Roast, Bake
Uses up to 97% less oil (tested vs. deep frying for french fries)
30 original recipes available in the free VeSync app plus a 6-recipe sticker
Nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket and accessories for easy cleaning
Ultra-light 4.87 lb unit — easier to move and handle than heavy pans
Compact dimensions (10.1 L x 8.3 W x 10.5 H inches) — fits dorms, RVs and trucks
120V / 900W power specification for US and Canada use
Reheat setting restores crispness to fries, wings and pizza

Pros

Small footprint perfect for dorms, RVs and tiny kitchens
Healthier cooking: dramatically reduces added oil
Quick heating shortens cook time for busy schedules
Lightweight design simplifies handling for seniors
Simple cleanup with dishwasher-safe nonstick basket
Plenty of recipe guidance via the VeSync app

Cons

2.1‑quart capacity is best for singles or small snacks, not large family meals
120V/900W rating limits use to US and Canada and may be less powerful than full-size models
Single basket requires manual shaking or flipping for even crisping on some foods
Not suited for large roasts, whole chickens or oversized trays

What Customers Say:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Once I bought this, I decided I didn't feel like learning how to use one more appliance so I gave it to my grandson and his wife. They love it- said it works well, is easy to use and makes the food look and taste delicious. They had no complaints of the heat, noise, moisture level; did not complain of any odor or smell and said it is easy to clean. Overall they feel by giving it to them, I did myself a disservice but they will use it far more than I. — HelenCW⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is my first air fryer ever, which I finally got after hearing people go on and on about air fryers for several years. Sorry to find that I have been missing out. As my first one, it's user friendly and I love the window with the light, it's a big plus. I definitely recommend the liners for easier cleanup. The quality is great. I wish the notifications were a little louder or adjustable because I won't always hear it well if I'm in another room. There's no specific pre-heat setting, so you just need to add minutes to the time, but then the shake alert comes in the middle of that which is not really the middle of cooking time. It's a great size for two people, I'm glad I didn't get a smaller one. I have made fish sticks, steak, chicken wings, and potatoes so far and they have all come out great. — Sam B⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I am a first-time user of air fryers and I don't know what took me so long! The 4 quart is a good size for 2 people. It doesn't take up a lot of space on your counter, although I store mine in a cabinet and pull it out to use it and it's not heavy. I like that it beeps when it's time to "shake" or flip. The touch screen is simple to use, you can choose your own temperature and time using up and down arrows. It's so easy to use, cooks fast and tastes great. Some people complained about an odor the first use. I didn't experience that. I washed the basket and tray in soapy water and let completely dry before using. — Deb

Where to Buy:

Best High-End: Superior Dual-Basket Air Fryer

Dual-basket air fryer with 8‑quart capacity, independent cooking zones, 6‑in‑1 multicooking functions, Smart Finish and Match Cook timing, rapid convection heat, and dishwasher-safe components for fast, healthy family meals.

Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate & More for Quick, Easy Meals, Grey

The Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8‑Quart DualZone Air Fryer delivers fast, flexible cooking with two independent 4‑quart baskets so you can prepare mains and sides at once. DualZone Technology features Match Cook to copy settings across zones and Smart Finish to synchronize cook times, while rapid cyclonic fans and high‑power heaters crisp with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying. Six cooking programs—Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat and Dehydrate—plus a 105°F–450°F temperature range make it easy to crisp, roast, and gently dry foods. Dishwasher-safe crisper plates and nonstick baskets simplify cleanup, and included recipes and charts help you get meals on the table faster.

Price: 199.95
Manufacturer: SharkNinja
Seller: Amazon
Greatest Appliance's Score: 4.7 ⭐
How we rate products

Key Features:

Two independent 4‑quart baskets with separate heaters and cyclonic fans
DualZone Technology with Match Cook (copy settings) and Smart Finish (synchronized end times)
6 cooking functions: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
Large 8‑quart combined capacity fits mains and sides or up to 4 lbs. of fries/wings
Wide temperature range from 105°F to 450°F for gentle drying or high‑heat crisping
Up to 75% less fat versus traditional deep frying (tested on hand‑cut fries)
Nonstick crisper plates and dishwasher‑safe baskets for easy cleanup
Includes two 4‑quart baskets, two crisper plates, 15 recipes, and cooking charts
32-inch cord length for flexible countertop placement

Pros

Cook two different foods simultaneously to halve total meal time
Large capacity supports family portions and batch cooking
Healthier results with significantly reduced oil usage
Versatile presets cover frying, broiling, roasting, baking, reheating and dehydrating
Smart Finish ensures both dishes are ready at the same moment

Cons

Dual-basket design increases countertop footprint compared with single-basket models
May be too large for very small kitchens or limited storage space
No rotisserie or dedicated oven rack included
Nonstick surfaces can degrade if metal utensils are used or abrasive cleaners are applied

What Customers Say:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I absolutely love this Ninja air fryer! The two independent baskets are a total game-changer. I can cook two different foods at the same time with different temperatures and settings. It’s super intuitive, easy to clean, and everything comes out crispy and delicious without needing much oil. The quality feels premium, and it has really helped save time during busy weekdays. If you’re thinking about getting an air fryer, this one is 100% worth it! — Jimmy Woolford⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I like my air fryer.. I purchased a “like new” instead of a brand new one and I’m glad I did. It is virtually brand new, no signs of usage at all and packed in its original box like it was never opened. The air fryer is of great quality, good weight, good overall size and not heavy at all. It’s look really sleek and it cooks your food fast and perfect, meats are juicy. No use for oil when I air fry, unless I want a crisp top, then I brush or spray some olive oil towards the end. Love the dual baskets and I tend to make different things at one time. Although the baskets are a bit smaller than I’m use to but I’m making it work. Worth the great deal 👍 — LJIB⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love this air fryer! Double sides, the gray color is sleek looking with no fingerprints and it is easy to clean. The kids can even use it to cook their lunches! — Amazon Customer

Where to Buy:

Try Something New: French-Door Air Fryer Oven

Large-capacity dual-door convection toaster for countertop cooking, rotisserie, crisping and multi-task culinary performance with digital presets and stainless-steel styling.

Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, 24 Cooking Functions and Digital Controls, 7 Accessories Included, Stainless Steel Finish, 26QT Capacity

The Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo delivers versatile, high-capacity cooking for families and entertaining — now available for $209.99. With a 26‑quart interior that fits a 6‑lb rotisserie chicken or a 12" pizza, 24 cooking functions and precise digital controls, this stainless‑steel countertop appliance handles everything from quick crisping to low‑and‑slow roasts. Dual‑speed fan technology provides golden, even results with rapid convection circulation, while the convenient French doors, interior light and automatic toast-off feature make monitoring and serving effortless. Includes a 7‑piece accessory set so you can start baking, air‑crisping, roasting and reheating right away.

Price: 209.99
Manufacturer: Emeril Lagasse
Seller: Amazon
Greatest Appliance's Score: 4.5 ⭐
How we rate products

Key Features:

Extra-large 26‑quart capacity fits meals for 4–6 people
24 programmable cooking functions for versatile meal prep
Digital controls with countdown timer and automatic shutoff
Dual-speed fan and 360° convection circulation for even crisping
French-door design with interior light for easy access and viewing
Automatic toast shutoff with red/blue indicator light
Stainless steel exterior for a modern kitchen aesthetic
Includes 7 accessories to begin cooking immediately
Rotisserie-capable for up to a 6‑lb chicken and 12" pizza capacity

Pros

Large capacity handles family-sized meals and rotisserie cooking
Multiple presets simplify cooking for a wide variety of recipes
Digital controls and auto-off reduce the risk of overcooking
Alloy finish elevates kitchen style while resisting fingerprints
Comes with accessories so you can start using it right away

Cons

Generous footprint may be too large for compact countertops
Multiple functions have a learning curve for first-time users
Fan-driven cooking produces noticeable noise at higher settings
French doors require clearance space to open fully

What Customers Say:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Oven was extremely well packed so be assured it will get there in good shape. I've haven't actually tried to cook in it but it reheats really nicely. The design is great but you need to open the doors completely or they snap shut when you go to remove or put things in. It's important to read the little booklet about all the different specialty items that go with the oven so you can figure out how to use it. The specialty items are almost hidden in the styrofoam so look well to find them all. I am really really pleased with this oven. It has a lot of space you can adjust the racks, temperature, fan speed and amount of time. It also remembers your last setting when you push start. If you heat the same things over and over, it's sort of Handy. I did try the toast feature and it's not like a toaster but gives a light mildly crunchy toast to your breads. I think I'll try cookies next though. It was great purchase — margie⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love this air fryer! It takes a little practice to figure out the tray level locations and temperature settings, but once you use it, it cooks amazingly. Has so many settings with timer/temperature overrides. Cooked all types of frozen food, various meats, fish, veggies, pizza, sandwiches, bacon, potato dishes, baked a cake, etc, etc....I have cooked multiple things at once. I like that it has heating filaments on top and bottom, making it a balanced cooking platform. Comes with a cooking tray, cooking basket tray, toasting grill, and rotisserie holders. There is an easy slide-out drip tray, and I cover it with foil for easy cleaning. The fryer has double glass front doors with a manual-controlled lamp so you can see your food as it is cooking. I have owned closed-compartment air fryers before, but this tops them all. Now this is a larger capacity fryer compared to a closed air fryer, so the room is what you must decide on. Other wise I love this fryer and have had it for 1 year so hopefully it will last a lot longer. — ken⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I received my oven a couple of days ago. I ordered this one because it was larger, had a rotisserie among other cooking options. It is great when you don't want to heat up your kitchen during the hot weather. I have used it every day since it arrived mainly to reheat. It works great! I plan on using the rotisserie this weekend, I have seen some reviews where they say it smokes, while cooking especially while using the rotisserie you need to put your pan provided on the rack just above the heating elements to prevent meat drippings from running onto them. I can't speak on every cooking option yet but so far, I love it and would recommend it. — Melody LaBarge

Where to Buy:

What Is an Air Fryer and How Does It Work?

An air fryer is a countertop appliance that uses rapid hot air circulation and a crisping element to cook food with a fraction of the oil used in traditional deep frying. Most models combine a fan, heating element, and a perforated basket to deliver even browning and a crunchy exterior. Modern air fryers range from compact single-drawer units to large-capacity, multi-function ovens with presets, convection bake, dehydrating, and smart app integration for remote control and recipe guidance.

Top Benefits of Using an Air Fryer in 2025

Healthier Cooking: Achieve fried-like crispiness using up to 80% less oil, reducing calories and fat compared to deep frying.
Faster Meal Prep: Rapid air circulation heats food quickly and reduces cooking times—ideal for busy weeknights.
Energy and Cost Efficiency: Smaller cooking chambers and shorter cook cycles use less energy than conventional ovens.
Versatility: From roasting and baking to reheating and dehydrating, air fryers replace multiple kitchen appliances.
Consistent Results: Advanced temperature controls, presets, and smart sensors deliver reliable texture and doneness.

How an Air Fryer Fits Into Your Daily Routine

Making quick, crispy weeknight dinners like chicken tenders, fish fillets, or roasted vegetables
Reheating leftovers—pizza, fries, and fried foods regain crispness without sogginess
Healthy meal prep: batch-cooking lean proteins and vegetables with minimal oil
Entertaining: preparing appetizers and finger foods quickly for guests
Baking small desserts and snacks—muffins, cookies, and even small cakes

Popular Foods and Recipes to Make in an Air Fryer

Crispy French fries and sweet potato fries with less oil
Juicy, golden chicken wings and breaded chicken cutlets
Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and cauliflower
Frozen foods: nuggets, spring rolls, and fries—faster and crisper than oven methods
Baked goods: small loaves, muffins, and quick cinnamon rolls
Homemade snacks: chickpea crisps, kale chips, and roasted nuts

Final Thoughts on Buying an Air Fryer in 2025

Choosing the best air fryer in 2025 means balancing capacity, features, and convenience. Look for models with reliable temperature control, easy-to-clean components, and the size that fits your household needs. Smart features and multi-function capabilities can add versatility but prioritize consistent cooking performance and durable construction.

Whether you want healthier versions of your favorite fried foods, faster weeknight dinners, or a compact appliance that handles many kitchen tasks, an air fryer remains one of the most valuable kitchen investments this year. Compare top-rated models, read reviews, and consider warranty and customer support to find the right air fryer for your kitchen.